Balenciaga Controversy
Back in 2022, Balenciaga released a highly controversial campaign that references child pornography and featured child models alongside fetish imagery. The brand was immediately canceled by fans, and many still hold that grudge. Kim Kardashian was actually a brand ambassador at the time, and cut ties with the label after everything went down. She posted a statement to her Instagram story when it happened:
"I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven't been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened," she wrote.
"The safety of children must be held with the highest regard, and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society—period. I appreciate Balenciaga's removal of the campaigns and apology. In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again."
The co-founder of Balenciaga also released a statement at the time: "As much as I would sometimes like to provoke a thought through my work, I would NEVER have an intention to do that with such an awful subject as child abuse that I condemn."
Kim Kardashian Joins Balenciaga Again As A Brand Ambassador
Earlier this week, Kim Kardashian was spotted leaving the Ritz Carlton Hotel wearing head-to-toe Balenciaga to announce her partnership with the brand. The 43-year-old has worn Balenciaga many times before, most notably to the Met Gala, and has also walked in one of their Paris Fashion Week runway shows.
The mother-of-four shared the news with her Instagram followers on Monday: "For several years now, Balenciaga's designs have been a part of my many looks—and some of my most iconic fashion moments. This historic fashion house embraces modernity, craftsmanship and takes an innovative approach to design under Demna," she wrote.
She continued: "For me, this long-standing relationship is built on mutual trust and a commitment to doing what's right. I'm excited about this next chapter for the brand and to become their ambassador." Though it seems Kardashian is making it clear to fans and critics alike that Balenciaga has taken accountability for their past mistakes and is turning over a new leaf, some fans still aren't happy.
Fans Slam Kim Kardashian As 'Shallow' For Brand Ambassador Partnership With Balenciaga
Fans have taken to social media to share their disappointment with the reality TV star for signing on with Balenciaga again. "lmao I thought she was concerned about child exploitation," one user wrote in a comment on Instagram.
"Weeee are forgetting about the children wearing bdsm stuff, aren't we?" asked another.
"Money over morals every time," wrote another user.
"These celebrities are so fickle," another added. "Throw the right $$$ and they will throw their morals away."
"Wow. Anything for a paycheck," another person agreed.
"Demna saying he was done with all this stuff but the minute the drama dies down straight back into the shallowness of it all," another user wrote.
"Disgusting & disturbing," a final user commented. "You think we'd all forget? this is disappointing @kimkardashian & you know why. Don't let money change your perspective. YOU have the control. Ugh so disappointing."